Carlos Alcaraz said he felt “heartbroken” after withdrawing from Spain’s Davis Cup Finals squad because of a hamstring problem. The world number one, who lost to Jannik Sinner in the ATP Finals title match on Sunday, was advised to skip the event due to swelling in his right hamstring.
Spain lose key player before quarter-final
Spain face the Czech Republic in Thursday’s quarter-final in Bologna, but will now do so without their top player. Alcaraz, who claimed the French Open and US Open titles this season to take his Grand Slam tally to six, said on Instagram that representing Spain was “the greatest thing”, adding that he was returning home “heartbroken”.
Major absentees across competing teams
The Finals are missing several big names. Italy are without world number two Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti, while Germany’s Alexander Zverev is the only top-10 player involved at the eight-team event. Alcaraz’s absence further shifts the balance in a tightly contested knockout stage.
Injury surfaced during ATP Finals defeat
According to the Spanish tennis federation, Alcaraz experienced discomfort in the back of his thigh during the opening set of his 7-6 (7-4) 7-5 defeat to Sinner in Turin. He joined Spain’s training camp on Monday, but medical tests showed a significant muscle strain with noticeable swelling, ruling him out of action.
Alcaraz ends season as world number one
Despite the setback, the 22-year-old secured the year-end world number one ranking for the second time in his career after reaching the ATP Finals semi-finals with three group-stage wins. He first achieved the feat in 2022, becoming the youngest player in history to do so.
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